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Samui's Marine Scene Expands

Samui’s Marine Scene Expands

Koh Samui’s broad selection of marine facilities, services and attractions will soon be able to add another impressive feature as the authorities have decided to forge ahead with plans to establish a new cruise liner port on the island.

As part of government efforts to transform Koh Samui into a regional marine hub, Thailand’s marine department has named the popular island as the place with the greatest potential to increase its tourism services with the boost a new port will provide.

Situated off the east coast of Thailand within the stunning Ang Thong Marine National Park, Koh Samui attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Krabi, situated on Thailand’s west coast overlooking the Andaman Sea, was also in the running for the new port. However, according to deputy transport minister Ormsin Chivapruck, Samui has the edge when it comes to the attractions required to be able host cruise liners.

In fact, Koh Samui is already a popular stop-off for visitors on luxury ocean cruises around Southeast Asia, and Thailand as a whole plays host to no fewer than 100,000 cruise liner tours per year. According to transport minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, this segment is recognised the high purchasing power of visitors it brings to the country.

While an increasing number of visitors are now travelling to Samui via short haul connecting flights from Bangkok or other regional centres such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, arriving by the sea has long been a popular option. Long-established ferry routes from the mainland also connect nearby islands such as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, which means the area has become well-known for those who want to enjoy the island-hopping adventure.

In addition to Koh Samui’s well-established marine transport facilities, the island is also making a name for itself as a world class sailing destination. In May this year, the island welcomed scores of sailors from across the globe who travelled there in order to take part in the 15th annual Samui Regatta. The event ran from 21st to 28th May, and attracted a large number of world-class sailors who wanted to put their sailing skills to the test in the waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Sailing is also becoming a popular activity with visitors on holiday in Koh Samui, who can either sail and learn with experienced skippers or hire their own craft to explore the Gulf of Siam. Even those that don’t know how to sail, the treasures of the sea are easily accessible thanks to the ever growing choice of fully-crewed yachts and cruisers available for hire.